Delta 46-460 12-1/2" Variable-Speed Lathe and Optional Stand

I purchased this lathe two weeks ago when it was on sale at Woodcraft. I brought it home, opened it up, and set it up. It took about an hour to completely set it up.

The lathe stands level and true, and the tail stock/head stock are perfectly aligned. It is a variable speed, but some belt changes are needed for different speed “ranges.” It is a cinch to change the belt. Picture #2 shows how you pull a lever, change the belt, re-tighten the lever, and off you go.

It is a quiet lathe, and I have yet to set it bouncing. I also purchased the Delta stand to go with it, and it is a nice stand and well made.

The only question I do have on it is the lathe bed. Whereas on my Powermatic 3520b where the bed is as smooth as a baby’s behind, and also on the Jet models, the bed of this lathe is “textured,” ridged actually, and is very rough to the touch. It does not interfere with the motion of the tailstock, but I am surprised it is not polished like the other lathes I have seen.

Chip, Nice review! I’m so torn. I’m looking for my first lathe and have a price range of 300 to $500ish. have a small shop so can’t afford the space and $ for a monster. But the minis out there can’t achieve a long enough spindle for a table or end table. I’ve looked at yours and like the fact that it has varitable speed and reverse. An extension is always an option too. I’ve heard that if you go cheap the first time you buy you end up buy twice. anyone with advice for me…Chip?

I bought recently the midi-lathe DELTA 46-460 and brought it to Brazil.After assembly, when I turned on lathe, the index pin was engaged.Now, every time I try to turn on lathe, the motor overload protector shut lathe off.Anyone has an idea about the damage caused?

Hi GangI just got my new Delta 46-460 lathe yesterday. Everything appears to be OK but I do have a few misgivings. When checking the on line replacement parts sites a lot of the more common parts were unavailable from Delta. The belt has a price north of $35.00. Yikes!!! The lathe runs smooth except for a slight vibration, or more like a hum at the highest speed.The only thing that has me a bit concerned is that the tailstock ram threads seem to ba a bit sloppy. Not as tight as the threads on my Delta LA200. I will see what the weekend brings when I turn a few projects.